Health officials confirm first two West Nile cases in Riverside County

RIVERSIDE – A 65-year-old Mecca woman and 71-year-old man from Coachella are the first two confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Riverside County this year, Dr. Cameron Kaiser, county public health officer, said.

The illness was confirmed recently, and Riverside County officials were notified this week. The individuals are expected to recover.

The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. The mosquito becomes infected when they feed on infected birds. Health officials emphasized the risk of serious illness to humans is low and most individuals who are inf...